Opened in 1932, Beckomberga was one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Europe, at its peak housing some 2,000 mentally ill patients.

The hospital was surrounded by high-class landscaping, which played an important part in the therapy for patients with mental illnesses.

An exception is the auditorium in the central courtyard, which keeps its original interior, with ceiling paintings, a stage and balcony with classical decoration.

The central hospital unit was surrounded by a park with spacious lawns, extensive gardens and linden tree avenues, though some natural hill formations were kept.

However, since the hospital finally closed in 1995, the city council has decided to convert the area into housing development, putting the future of the historic buildings and parks in jeopardy.